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U.S. Airlines Face Antitrust Probe Into Possible Price Collusion

U.S. airlines face an antitrust investigation by the Justice Department into whether they are discussing how to control the supply of seats, a crucial factor in determining fares.

American Airlines Group Inc. and Southwest Airlines Co. confirmed receiving Justice Department requests for details of conversations, meetings and conferences where industry capacity was discussed. The department said an inquiry was under way into possible coordination among carriers but wouldn't give details.

Airfare decisions normally are among the most closely guarded secrets at airlines before they're announced, and upon announcement they trigger intense scrutiny by competitors and bargain-hunting travelers. The Bloomberg U.S. Airlines Index tumbled immediately after the probe was disclosed, then pared its decline to 2 percent.